What Kind of Reader Are You?

Ok, so a lot of people go to the library, and try to figure out what to take out. What people do not know is that there isn’t one type of reader. There are many types of readers, and it helps to figure what kind of reader you are. What kind of reader are you? Well, let me give you examples of readers. 

The Genre Reader- This is the type of reader who picks a genre and dedicates their reading life to it. A genre reader fills their shelves with fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, mystery and sticks with it. Some of the best readers I know are genre readers, because they often read more than all of us. Going to the library or bookstore isn’t a problem for them. They go to the fantasy or science fiction or mystery section of their library or store and stack up on them. They know the authors and the upcoming authors of their respective genres. They already have a path for what they are going to read.

 
          The Picky Reader- This is the type of reader who only reads the best. No Twilight or James Patterson for this reader’s list. They don’t want to turn pages; they want the Pulitzer Prize winning novels, the literary novels and the classics. They don’t want bestsellers, and they don’t want to just turn pages with a good story. They want to be affected, and think deeply about the book. They want strong prose and details. The total opposite of that is…

      The Bestseller Reader- This reader does not want to read a book no one has ever heard of. They want to read a bestseller. Something they can talk to other people about around the water cooler (do they even have water coolers anymore? I don’t know) but the point is they want something that’s popular. Something that’s known and something that won’t look weird when they are reading it. The one catch to the bestseller reader is that just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it’s the best, and they often miss out on some great books.

          The YA Reader- There’s nothing wrong with reading YA novels, even when you are an adult yourself. However, I don’t think an adult should only read YA novels and nothing else. The Harry Potter generation is growing up, and YA novels are still as popular as ever. Some of our most iconic and best written books are YA novels, but don’t be a YA reader who reads one bestselling series after another. Don’t just jump from Potter to Twilight. “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” are great, but also be sure to read new YA novels no one ever heard of because often those are the next “Hunger Games.” It’s important for a YA novel reader to keep up with the new authors coming out there. This brings me to another reader who needs to keep up with the newest information.

          The Writer Reader- Every writer needs to be a reader, and there’s no excuse for you as a writer not to read. For a number of reasons, including you will need influences; you need to like books to write them. It helps to know what’s going on in the writing world. How are you going to be a successful writer if you don’t know what’s going on? A person who doesn’t want to read but wants to be a writer is like a musician who doesn’t like music. 

          The Page Turner Reader- Basically, this isn’t the biggest type of reader. This is a person who reads to be entertained, and there’s nothing wrong with that. This is the opposite of the picky reader.  This reader just wants to pass some time. James Patterson will have plenty of books for you.

      The Passionate Reader- This person will read anything, and everything. Reading Twilight and reading James Joyce is not above this person. In my opinion, that’s a really good kind of reader because they are open to enjoy a good story and get serious about an affecting one. Appreciate Edward Cullen and Lizzie Bennett. Stephanie Meyer and Jane Austen all have a place on your shelf. So, I say any of these readers are good, but it’s the passionate reader that keeps the books moving. And finally, the most important reader…

      The Young Reader- Getting a kid to read is important, and that’s where it all starts. Remember to bring your critical judgment down a notch, and let them read “Twilight” or “Harry Potter.” The best children’s books are entertaining and magical ones. Remember, if you can get a kid to be a reader, that’s where it all starts. I remember being at the library and seeing a little girl with a bag of books. A kid who spends a lot of time reading will be better prepared for life. Also, a kid who spends their time reading will probably not get into as much trouble as a kid who doesn’t. With all the outside influences today, a kid with their head in a book will be more likely to ignore them. How much trouble can you get if you spend all your time buried into a book? A library is hardly a place where trouble happens. You want your kid to hang out at the library. That’s the most important reader of all.